Brake Pads
Brake pads are one of the most frequently replaced components on your car, but most drivers barely think about them. That is, until the brakes feel different, a warning light flashes, or an unfamiliar noise starts creeping in.
This guide is here to help you act before that happens.
At Fergies, we’ve seen how brake pad wear can start small and escalate quickly, from mild friction material loss to full disc damage caused by prolonged neglect. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, our technicians have created this practical guide to help you understand how brake pads work, why they wear, and what warning signs to watch for.
If you’re based in or around Thatcham, Newbury, or Reading, and want clear, reliable advice from an award-winning garage, read on.
Let’s begin by going back to basics. What do brake pads actually do?
How Brake Pads Really Work
Let’s get straight to it: brake pads are your car’s first responders when it comes to stopping safely. Housed inside the brake calliper, they press against the brake discs every time you apply the brakes. (Some vehicles use drums and shoes instead, but the function is similar.)
These compact components have a big responsibility. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the pads onto the rotating brake disc, generating the friction needed to bring your vehicle to a stop. That friction creates heat — and a lot of it. Brake pads are engineered to handle that heat while gradually wearing down.
Each time you brake, a small amount of pad material is lost. That’s exactly how the system is designed to work. But if the pads wear too thin, braking performance drops — and if left too long, the metal backing can contact the disc, leading to more serious damage and higher repair costs.
At Fergies in Thatcham, we check the condition of your brake pads every time you visit us. If they’re nearing their limit, we’ll let you know and explain your options clearly.
Brake Pad Types Explained
While all brake pads are designed to slow your vehicle, not all of them perform the job in the same way. Their composition affects how they manage heat, wear down, and interact with the rest of your braking system and that’s why fitting the correct type matters.
At Fergies, we always use pads that meet your vehicle’s exact specification. That ensures compatibility with the discs, callipers, and braking balance — and keeps your safety uncompromised.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common brake pad types:
- Organic (NAO) pads: Made from a blend of organic materials like cellulose, aramid, and minerals. These pads are typically quieter but wear faster and don’t tolerate high heat as well as other options.
- Semi-metallic pads: Contain metal fibres such as steel or copper for improved durability and performance. They’re more heat-resistant, but may be noisier, generate more dust, and wear the discs more aggressively.
- Ceramic pads: Built using ceramic compounds and copper fibres. They offer quiet braking, excellent heat control, and minimal dust, making them a common choice in high-performance applications. However, they’re typically the most expensive.
It’s not about choosing a “better” pad, it’s about using the one your car was designed for. Brake systems are engineered as a unit, and swapping in the wrong pad type can cause noise, uneven wear, or reduced braking performance.
That’s why every brake pad replacement at Fergies is done according to your vehicle’s exact needs; no compromise, no guesswork.
What Makes Brake Pads Wear Out Faster?
Brake pads naturally wear over time, but the rate at which they wear can vary significantly depending on how and where you drive, and whether the rest of the braking system is working as it should.
At Fergies in Thatcham, we regularly see how different factors speed up brake pad wear. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
- Calliper problems
A sticking calliper can cause the pad to stay in contact with the disc even after you’ve released the pedal. This constant friction leads to uneven pad wear and can increase heat in the system, which reduces braking efficiency and risks disc damage.
- Corroded or damaged discs
If the brake disc surface is scored, warped or corroded, the pad won’t wear evenly. It also won’t deliver consistent friction, which compromises stopping power and shortens the pad’s life.
- Driving environment
Frequent braking in stop-start traffic, hilly terrain, or short journeys creates more heat and more friction, both of which cause pads to wear more quickly.
- Contamination and moisture
Road grime, salt, and water can build up inside the calliper or between the pad and backing plate. This leads to corrosion over time, which in some cases can cause the pad material to separate — a serious safety issue.
- Wrong parts fitted
Pads that don’t meet the manufacturer’s specification may wear faster, handle heat poorly, or upset the balance of the braking system. That’s why we always use the right parts for your make and model.
At Fergies, we always assess the full braking system, not just the pads, so we can catch underlying issues early and help you avoid unnecessary costs down the line.
Could Your Brake Pads Be Wearing Out? Here’s What to Look For
It’s unusual for brake pads to wear out without giving some kind of warning. In most cases, you’ll notice a change — whether it’s a sound, a warning light on the dashboard, or a shift in how the pedal feels.
Spotting these symptoms early can help you stay safer and avoid more expensive damage:
- Screeching or squealing
Many pads include a built-in wear indicator, which is a thin metal tab that makes a high-pitched noise when the pad material gets low. If you hear it, it’s doing its job: alerting you that a brake check is due.
- Grinding noises
A harsh grinding sound is often a sign that the friction material has completely worn away. At this point, the metal backing plate may be making contact with the disc, which can cause serious damage and drastically reduce stopping power.
- Brake warning light
Vehicles with electronic wear sensors will show a dashboard warning light when the pads are nearing their limit. Don’t treat it like a low washer fluid alert, this one affects your ability to stop safely.
- Changes in braking feel
A soft or spongy pedal, or a longer stopping distance than usual, could point to worn pads or another fault in the braking system. These changes should always be checked by a technician.
At Fergies, we take any change in braking performance seriously. If you’ve noticed something unusual, we’ll carry out a full inspection and let you know exactly what’s going on, clearly, honestly, and without upselling.
Why Timely Brake Pad Replacement Matters
Brake pads don’t stop working overnight. But if they’re left too long, they can go from safe to unsafe, fast.
Brake pads are designed to wear steadily, but once the friction material gets thin, that wear tends to accelerate. The remaining layer disappears quickly, and before long, the metal backing plate may be making direct contact with the brake disc.
At that stage, your car’s braking performance is seriously compromised. And you’re no longer just looking at a brake pad change; you’re likely facing disc replacement too. The longer it’s delayed, the more likely it is that callipers and brake fluid could be affected, adding even more to the repair.
At Fergies in Thatcham, we’ve seen this progression many times — where a simple, low-cost job becomes a full braking system repair. That’s why we always recommend booking a check as soon as you notice something unusual or if it’s been a while since your last inspection.
Brake pads are a wear item, but they’re also a safety-critical part. Acting early protects both your vehicle and your wallet, and ensures your car can stop when it matters most.
Dependable Brake Pad Checks and Replacements from Fergies
Brake pads are small, but their role in your vehicle’s safety couldn’t be more important. Like tyres, lights, and wipers, they should be checked regularly and replaced before they wear too thin.
At Fergies, we carry out every brake pad replacement using parts that match the exact specification of your car. Our technicians follow strict safety procedures, delivering high-quality work you can count on, without upselling or unnecessary extras.
Book Your Brake Pad Check with Fergies in Thatcham
We’re proud to be Top Garage 2021 winners and hold a Top Technician title from 2018 — a reflection of the technical precision and service standards we bring to every job.
We offer a 12-month parts and labour guarantee on all brake work and support drivers across Thatcham, Newbury, and Reading.
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Call 01635 778002 today to book your brake pad check with Fergies.
